MELAKA, Aug 15 — The government will repeal the Universities and University Colleges Act (AUKU) 1971 to provide greater freedom and wider democratic space for students in the country, said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
He said the proposal to repeal the Act would be presented to the Cabinet next Wednesday.
Anwar said the decision was made following a memorandum and feedback from student leaders calling for comprehensive changes to the Act.
He added that although several previous amendments to AUKU had given students more opportunities to participate actively, the scope of their freedom needed to be further expanded in line with the country’s education reform agenda.
“Students feel they should be given more freedom. We have given them more freedom through several amendments to AUKU, but some are still not satisfied.
“They submitted a memorandum, so today I want to announce that we will repeal AUKU,” he said.
He said this when delivering his policy speech at the 2026 Keadilan National Congress at the Melaka International Trade Centre (MITC), Ayer Keroh, here today.
Also present were Keadilan deputy president Nurul Izzah Anwar, Parti Amanah Negara (Amanah) president Datuk Seri Mohamad Sabu, DAP treasurer Ngeh Koo Ham and Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) chairman Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor.
Anwar said AUKU’s repeal was among the education reforms the government would continue to pursue as the country’s political, security and economic stability strengthen under his administration.
“I will push ahead more firmly with the reform agenda and (address) several matters that have been delayed, including ongoing education reforms, early childhood education, TVET and STEM, in a more orderly manner,” he said.
Anwar added that the government would ensure equitable access to preschool education, particularly for children in rural and interior areas.
“We do not want preschool education to be only for the urban elite and second-class (education) for children in rural and interior areas. This is the responsibility of the Education Ministry,” he said.
